Erik ten Hag drops eight-word Manuel Ugarte update as Man Utd dealt five injury issues

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was asked about the impending arrival of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brighton and Hove Albion. But the Dutchman remained coy on the subject and also confirmed that five players will be absent this weekend.

United are pushing to name Ugarte as their fifth and final signing of the first summer transfer window under the stewardship of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

The Red Devils are reportedly on the brink of agreeing a season-long loan with an obligation to buy the PSG star next summer.

Ten Hag, focused on starting the season with two wins from two at the Amex Stadium this weekend, offered a brief update during his press conference.

“When we have news we will bring it,” the Dutchman informed reporters at Carrington on Thursday afternoon.

He added: “Be patient, sit, wait, keep working very hard; we will always try to make the best squad possible.

“We have a couple of days, and we will always improve; as long as we have the opportunity, we will look for it.”

Ten Hag also praised United’s new-look hierarchy for how they’ve overseen their first window, completing four signings before last Friday’s curtain-raiser against Fulham.

“Yes, very pleased [with United’s transfer business]. They’re [INEOS are] showing we’re going in the right direction, we know as a club we have to catch up,” the 54-year-old continued.

“But it shows our ambition, the way we want to go, we have done good business, very good players, quality players who will add, contribute to our squad.”

United beat Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford to start a crucial campaign successfully, with summer signing Joshua Zirkzee coming off the bench to score a late debut winner.

But Brighton have emerged victorious from four of the last six meetings between the two sides and finished the opening weekend top after beating Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park.

United have no new injury issues, though, with the five players ruled out against Fulham through injury still unavailable.

Ten Hag confirmed that Victor Lindelof was missing with a toe problem but insisted he hoped he would return to contention soon.

Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund are also sidelined and aren’t expected to feature before the September international break.

After Brighton, United host Liverpool at Old Trafford before players jet off to represent their countries once again.